Keychron K17 Max vs Mistel X8Low-Profile or Full-Size
Choose the K17 Max for low-profile typing, wireless flexibility, and customization, or the Mistel X8 for a conventional full-size ANSI layout.
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4.8 (4)4.8 · 4 reviews
from$94at Keychron
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron K17 Max
Hot-swappable
Build quality in the top 20% of 96% boards under $100.
- Three connection modes: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired.
- Compact 96% layout retains a numpad, with multimedia keys and a knob.
- Hot-swappable version, with compatibility for low-profile Gateron or Keychron mechanical switches.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Mistel X8
Build quality in the bottom 15% of 100% boards under $150.
- Conventional 100% full-size ANSI layout.
- PBT double-shot keycaps and German-made CHERRY MX switch options listed by the vendor.
- Vendor describes macro support with three storable layers.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Choose the Keychron K17 Max if you want a low-profile 96% board with wireless connections and the option to swap compatible switches. Pick the Mistel X8 if a conventional full-size ANSI layout matters more than switch swapping or wireless use. Check the K17 Max's low-profile switch and keycap requirements before buying replacement parts.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Keychron K17 Max
Mistel X8
Layout size
96%
100%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired, Bluetooth
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
Low profile
Yes
No
Case material
ABS, Aluminum
ABS, Plastic
- Keychron K17 Max
- Mistel X8
- Performance
- 8358
- Build quality
- 8144
- Productivity
- 9359
- Customizability
- 9146
- Portability
- 5350
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The K17 Max takes the lead in these use cases for buyers who value wireless options, a compact numpad layout, or keyboard customization. The X8 remains a reasonable fit when a conventional full-size ANSI board is the priority. Both have multimedia keys and N-key rollover, but the X8's wired-only design and soldered switches limit its flexibility compared with the Keychron. The K17 Max's low-profile format also brings specific switch and keycap constraints to consider.
Pick the Keychron K17 Max
- The K17 Max supports 2.4 GHz wireless and wired operation with a 1000 Hz polling rate in those modes.
- It has N-key rollover in both wireless and wired modes.
- The Mistel X8 is wired only and has a 1000 Hz polling rate.
Keychron K17 Max vs Mistel X8 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 27 specs differ
Keychron K17 Max
Mistel X8
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron K17 Max
Keychron
ISO
Out of stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO
In stockDoes not ship to you
Mistel X8
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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Keychron K17 Max vs Mistel X8: your questions
Yes. It supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connections, and its battery is listed as 2000 mAh. The vendor describes Bluetooth connections with up to three devices.
No, the Mistel X8 is listed as wired only. Its connectivity includes a USB-C connection.
The Mistel X8 has a 100% full-size ANSI layout. The K17 Max uses a compact 96% layout that retains a numpad but has fewer gaps than a full-size board.
A hot-swappable version of the K17 Max is available, and the vendor limits compatibility to Gateron or Keychron low-profile mechanical switches. The Mistel X8's switches are soldered, so changing them requires soldering.
No, the K17 Max requires low-profile switches and keycaps, and standard MX keycaps will not fit. Its north-facing LEDs may also cause Cherry-profile keycaps to contact the switch housing.
No, the X8 is listed with an ANSI layout and does not offer ISO variants such as ISO-DE or UK. The K17 Max metadata lists ISO and ANSI layouts, and Keychron describes German and UK ISO versions.
The Keychron K17 Max lists QMK and VIA support, and Keychron describes its Launcher web app for remapping keys and creating macros. The Mistel X8 vendor description lists macro support with three storable layers, but not QMK or VIA.
The K17 Max is listed with low-profile PBT keycaps, while Keychron describes them as double-shot PBT. The Mistel X8 has PBT double-shot keycaps, described by its vendor as Glaze Blue.
The K17 Max is the more practical option if you need wireless use, since it supports Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz and weighs 750 g. The X8 is full-size and wired only, and its weight is not listed.
The K17 Max is listed with RGB and white backlight options, and Keychron describes more than 22 RGB backlight settings. The Mistel X8 is listed without RGB.
The K17 Max lists both a knob and multimedia keys. The Mistel X8 includes multimedia keys, but a knob is not listed.
Both product listings specify Mac and Windows support. Keychron also describes the K17 Max's Mac layout and configurable keymaps for Mac and Windows.
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